yeah the claw techniqe is very effective!

For everyone who doesnt know what the claw technique is and how to do it, here you go: sorry its sooo long:

It is vitally important to mention that when this technique is used, the dog is not being hurt or being pinched. This technique simply replicates a natural canine correction, which has a primal significance to them. This touch has a very clear meaning, which is “ I don’t agree with that behaviour.”
If the dog is out of control on the leash, you can give it a slight tug to the side leash or choke chain or you can use your opposing foot to tap the dog on the hindquarter. This will snap her out of whatever she is fixated on and it also communicates” that is not acceptable behaviour.” Again this is not a kick, just simply a firm tap on her hindquarter. The touch is the same in which you would tap a friend on the shoulder to get their attention.
The energy you use behind the touch is vitally important, it cannot be angry or frustrated, tentative or fearful, but it must be absolutely calm-assertive. The reward for the correct behaviour could be treats, affection, praise or simply silent internal pride and happiness in the dog’s accomplishment. That in itself is affection for the dog.
Remember that the dog will always be reading your energy and emotions 100% of the time and mirroring them right back to you. If your energy is truly calm-assertive, a touch to them is simply communication. Dogs communicate with each other all the time using touch as well as energy. They push and shove and nose each other constantly. It’s a way for them to claim personal space; showing interest or affection, agreeing or not agreeing with certain behaviours of another dog.
The very first communication between a mother dog and her puppies is based on touch, as they wriggle towards her to nurse, or as she pushes them away when she’s had enough.
You can regularly use your body to simply block or redirect a dog that is engaging in a behaviour with which you don’t agree with. In the animal world it is simple, no-nonsense way of getting a message across.
Too much positive reinforcement can create the appearance of weakness in the one giving the praise or the treats, or the applause, or whatever that reward might be. If positive reinforcement is used too often, in an incorrect way the dog will just go right back to growling, chewing and jumping right back on the sofa as soon as the treats are eaten. When too much praise is used, the power of the words doesn’t matter and the treats lose their meaning because they are not seen to the dog as connected to the unwanted behaviour.
Though stroking a dog can have a calming effect on her, it also indicates affection and affection is a powerful positive reinforcement tool. Remember it is positive, which means you are adding energy.
Petting or giving treats to a dog in a fearful state may be distracting her in the short run, but it can also be communicating to the dog that you actually agree with that state of mind.

What I'm a bout to say, it's sad.

But, something doesn't seem right with sunny. The dog himself is fine, it's just us.

Something doesn't seem right. One moment we want him, next we're thinking about taking him back. I don't like this feeling, i hate it.

Is it because he's the largest animal we've had or just something else?

Why dont you get your self to some classes with the dog - FGS give him a chance - dogs are not disposable commodities - we want him, we dont want him WTF!!!! Dont you think he's been through enough - you took him on warts and all - get on the phone and find a trainer in your area and move heaven and earth to make this dog into what you want. I wont apologise for this post - I'm as mad as sin

__________________


Yum Yum Yum

Sorry if it's my post that made you mad. But we will most likely, 80% keep him and train him. It's a relationship in the making. It's, with me what's making him say no is that as a young child I had a bad experience with dogs, especially german shepards. But that fear is soon going, and I stay "firm and strong" with him because he will pick up on the fear energy.

He's getting better everyday.

you havent had him long and as long as you keep strong, firm and train him with advice given then he will be right as rain!

keep watching cesar millan and get your dad to buy you his books, they are my bible and are very helpful.

when i was 7 yrs old i had an unplesant experience with a jack russel terrier, i was sat on a log and he turned round and bit me, was rushed to hospital and had plastic surgery on my face! about a year later my mum got a jack russel cross border collie and i had to learn from my experience with the other dog.

the best thing to do is, dont be scared of him becasue they sense that and it will make him alot more nervous and maybe to the point that he may get snappy and you definately dont want this. you shouldnt see the bad in sunny, hes a completely different individual!

keep up with the training tips and advice i have given you and everything will turn out great, you will create a special bond with him whilst training and walking him. as soon as he is settled in, he will come out of his shell and learn better and be more obedient once he trusts you and sees you as the pack leader. keep your chin up and dont get frustrated with him!

your both still learning about each other! its all new for both of you!

Getting a dog with problems can be hard- that goes without saying.
My advice to you- stick at it, I know it's hard but it will be worth it in the end. I think that the feelings that you are experiencing is the concern about the nervousness of your dog as well as the way that your friend let you down and what you thought owning a dog would be like etc...
Often rescue dogs take some time to settle in their new homes and most things do not always come straight away you just need to be consistant with your dog.
I would advice you to get to some training classes- you may be able to get some one to one classes for your dog, yourself and the trainer if you feel it may be stressful for him as he is nervous at the moment. It would also be an excellent way of bonding with your dog.
Here is a link for a site which may hlp you to find a local class/ consultation:
Dog Club
Hope this helps and best of luck.

__________________
Dogs leave paw prints on your heart

also try this dog training school website: Puppy training classes, Puppy School is a network of UK schools for training young puppies.

Thanks. I know it will go, because it's a new experience for all of us. It's just little things like today my brother was stroking sunny, sunny was fine and calm then he just turned round and bit him.

That should go though with trainning.

O i see. Yes that can be hard. However, whilst I'm sure neither was in the wrong it's good for both your brother and dog to learn to respect each other. Also, didn' you mention that your dog had a sore paw. He may be a little tetchy as the paw is jurting him.
I do understand that it is hard but do stick at it, i'm sure with some training and more socialisation your dog will be just fine.

__________________
Dogs leave paw prints on your heart

sitmus just remember the rattle bottle, if sunny attempts to nip or even if he does nip then shake the bottle firmly and tell him NO! he will soon get the gist of it!

just be persistant and he will soon follow and not lead!